bible study guide on ephesians · the church in ephesus the church in the city of ephesus was...

Investigating the Word of God

Ephesians

The Roman Theater at Ephesus © David Padfield, 1998. Used by permission.

Gene Taylor© Gene Taylor, 2006. All Rights Reserved

Investigating the Word of God: Ephesians Gene Taylor -1-

An Introduction to Ephesians

The City of Ephesus Ephesus was the capital ofthe Roman province of Asia.It was located on the CaysterRiver about one mile fromthe seacoast. It was the chiefseaport of Asia. Next toRome, it was probably themost important city theapostle Paul visited.

It was settled in the 11th

century B.C. by theAthenians. It had a very violent history. It was conquered, in succession, by the Persians, theMacedonians and the Romans. It was destroyed by fire in 356 B.C. It was rebuilt because of thepride of its residents and its important location on major trade routes.

There were two buildings which gave prominence to the city. The first was the Great Theatre ofEphesus. It had a seating capacity of about 25,000. The second was the Temple of Diana, orArtemis, another name for Diana. It was considered on of the Seven Wonders of the World. Builtof the finest marble, it took 220 years to complete. It was 342 feet long and 164 feet wide. It wassupported by a mass of columns 56 feet high. Today, only one of its columns is standing.

The Church in EphesusThe church in the city of Ephesus was established by the apostle Paul on his second preachingtrip recorded in the book of Acts (Acts 18:18-21). He had earlier wanted to go into Asia but theHoly Spirit did not allow him to go at that time (Acts 16:6). After starting churches at the citiesof Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth, he eventually came to Ephesus.

At Ephesus, he preached to the Jews in the synagogue, the Jewish place of worship. Aquila andPriscilla, fellow Christians who had accompanied him from Corinth to Ephesus, remained thereafter he left. They taught Apollos, a young preacher, the gospel in its fullness since he only knewof the baptism of John the Baptist and not the baptism of Christ (Acts 18:24-28). After receivingthat instruction, he went to Corinth to preach to the people of that city.

On his third preaching journey, the apostle Paul came to Ephesus again. On this trip he spentabout three years there, a longer period of time than he spent in any other city on any of his trips.Upon his arrival, he taught twelve men who had been baptized only with the baptism of John theBaptist (Acts 19:1-7). After that, he preached for two years in the school of Tyrannus (Acts19:10). Opposition to him came from silversmiths led by Demetrius (Acts 19:23-41). They madetheir living manufacturing statues of Diana and replicas of her temple. They caused a riot andendangered Paul’s life. He had to leave Ephesus and go into Macedonia (Acts 20:16-38).


Later on in this same trip, when Paul was returning to Jerusalem, while at the city of Miletus, some30 miles from Ephesus, he called the elders of the Ephesus church to meet him. He wanted toencourage them and warn them of the danger of apostasy, falling away from God (Acts 20:16-38).

In the book of Revelation, Jesus instructed the apostle John to write to the Ephesus church, oneof the seven churches of Asia addressed in that book (Rev. 2:1-7).

Author, Date, Place of Writing and MessengerThe apostle Paul identifies himself twice in this book as its author (1:1; 3:1). Its style of writingis very much like the other books of the New Testament he wrote.

Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome around 59 to 61 A.D. (Acts 28:16-31). Duringthis imprisonment, he wrote four books: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.

Tychicus, a fellow worker with Paul in the gospel, was the messenger who brought this letter tothe Ephesians. He was to take Onesimus, a runaway slave of Philemon who had become aChristian, back to Philemon who lived in the city of Colosse. On the way, Paul had him deliverthis writing to the church at Ephesus (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7-9).

Why This Book Was WrittenThe book of Ephesians was written to set forth the nature of the universal church, the body of Christ,and its eternal purpose (1:1 - 3:21). This book also serves to encourage the members of the churchto proper conduct toward each other, the world, God and members of their own earthly families (4:1- 6:9). Finally, it was written to warn members of the church to be prepared for the spiritual conflictthat results from putting the principles of Christianity into practice (6:10-24)

The Themes of the BookThere are three great themes found in this book. It is important for everyone to understand whateach teaches.

The first is that of the glorious relationship between Christ and His church. In this book, thechurch is set forth as the body of Christ (1:23); the temple of God (2:19-22); the family of God(2:19; 3:14-15); the bride of Christ (5:22-32); and the “fullness of Him who fills all in all” (1:23).

The second theme is the “walk” of the Christian. As it is used in this writing, the word “walk”means manner of life. According to this book, the Christian is to walk: (1) not according to thecourse of the world (2:2); (2) in good works (2:10); (3) worthy of his calling (4:1); (4) not as theGentiles in the vanity of his mind (4:17); (5) in love (5:21); (6) as a child of light (5:8); and (7)circumspectly, wisely (5:15).

The final theme is that of unity of God’s people. Among Christians: (1) no distinction existsbetween Jew and Gentile (2:15); (2) all are reconciled in one body (2:16); (3) all have access byone Spirit to the Father (2:18); and (4) all should be endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit inthe bond of peace (4:3-6)


An Outline of Ephesians

Introduction (1:1-2)

I. Blessings in Christ (1:3-21)A. All spiritual. (3)B. Children of God in Christ. (4-6)C. Forgiveness in Christ. (7-10)D. God’s heritage is in Christ. (11-12)E. Sealed by the Holy Spirit in Christ. (13-14)F. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. (15-23)

II. The Church in God’s Eternal Purpose (1:22 - 3:21)A. The church, the fullness of Christ. (1:22-23)B. The church, alive in Christ. (2:1-10)C. The church, the body of the reconciled. (2:11-18)D. The church, the kingdom, family and temple of God. (2:19-22)E. The church, the product of God’s revelation. (3:1-21)F. Paul’s prayer. (3:14-21)

III. Unity in the Body (4:1-16)A. Responsibilities of the members. (1-3)B. God’s platform for unity. (4-6)C. Gifts provided for unity. (7-16)

IV. Practical Applications (4:17 - 6:24)A. Do not walk as other Gentiles. (4:17-19)B. Rather you should walk as a new creation in Christ. (4:20-32)C. Walks contrasted. (5:1-21)D. Family relationships. (5:22 - 6:4)E. Social relationships. (6:5-9)F. Spiritual relationships. (6:10-20)

Conclusion (6:21-24)


Ephesians Chapter One

Keys to This Chapter

Key Passage: Verses 22-23

“And He put all things under His

feet, and gave Him to be head over

all things to the church, which is His

body, the fullness of Him who fills

all in all.”

Key People

Paul

Key Places

Ephesus

Key Words

Saints

Predestined

Adoption

Redemption

Mystery

Dispensation

Inheritance

Guarantee

Principality

Power

Might

Dominion

Key Lesson

Questions on the Text 1. To whom is the book written? By whom is it written?

2. Where are all spiritual blessings to be found?

3. By the good pleasure of the will of God, what can one become?

4. In whom is one made acceptable to God? Who is he?

5. Where is redemption found? What makes it possible?

6. What is the guarantee of the Christian’s inheritance?

7. Why was Paul thankful for the Christians in Ephesus?

8. What things did Paul request in prayer for the brethren at Ephesus?

9. After being raised from the dead, where was Christ seated?

10. Who is head over the church?

Matching____ 1. The God and Father A. The body, the fullness of Him who

of our Lord Jesus Christ fills all in all.

____ 2. Paul B. In Him Christians have obtained an

inheritance.

____ 3. Christ C. Blessed Christians with every

spiritual b lessing in the heavenly

places in Christ.

____ 4. Saints in Ephesus D. An apostle of Jesus Christ.

____ 5. The church E. Faith in the Lord Jesus and love for

all the saints.

True - FalseT F 1. All spiritual blessings are in Christ.

T F 2. Redemption is through the blood of Christ.

T F 3. Christians are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

T F 4. Jesus is now seated on His throne in Jerusalem.

T F 5. All things are under Christ’s feet.

Discussion QuestionWhat is meant by the phrase “the fullness of Him who fills all in all?”


Ephesians Chapter Two



“For by grace you have been saved

through faith, and that not of

yourselves; it is the gift of God, not

of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Key People

The prince of the power of the air

Key Words

Trespasses

Lusts

Wrath

Mercy

Grace

Works

Circumcision

Aliens

Commonwealth

Abolished

Enmity

Ordinances

Reconcile

Access

Cornerstone

Key Lesson

Questions on the Text 1. What did Jesus do for those who were dead in trespasses and sins?

2. What had been the “walk” of the Ephesians in the past? What had been

the manner of life of all people?

3. According to verses eight and nine, what brings salvation? What does

not bring salvation?

4. For what purpose is one created in Christ?

5. Who was the “Uncircumcision” in the flesh? Who was the

“Circumcision?”

6. What was the “middle wall of separation” between Jew and Gentile that

was broken down by Jesus?

7. Where are both Jew and G entile reconciled today?

8. With whom can both Jew and Gentile have citizenship?

9. What is the foundation of the holy temple of the Lord? What is its chief

cornerstone?

10. What is “a dwelling place of God in the Spirit?”

Matching____ 1. The prince of the A. Gentiles in the flesh.

power of the air

____ 2. God B. The spirit who now works in the sons of

disobedience.

____ 3. Uncircumcision C. The foundation of a holy temple of the

Lord.

____ 4. Christ Jesus D. Rich in mercy and possessing great love.

____ 5. The apostles E. Abolished the enmity, the law of

and prophets commandments.

True - FalseT F 1. Every person should walk the course of this world.

T F 2. God saved man when he was dead in trespasses and sins.

T F 3. One is saved by works.

T F 4. Those who were afar off were brought near by the blood of

Christ.

T F 5. Jesus preached peace.

Discussion QuestionHow are Christians the “workmanship” of God?


Ephesians Chapter Three


Key Passage: Verses 4 and 6

“By which, when you read, you may

understand my knowledge in the

mystery of Christ....that the Gentiles

should be fellow heirs, of the same

body, and partakers of His promise

in Christ through the gospel.”

Key Words

Dispensation

Revelation

Mystery

Unsearchable

Fellowship

Manifold

Wisdom

Principalities

Powers

Tribulations

Comprehend

Key Lesson

Questions on the Text 1. What had God given to Paul?

2. How did Paul know the mystery of God’s will? How could the

Ephesians know it?

3. What was Paul made a minister to preach?

4. What makes known the manifold wisdom of God? To whom does it

make it known?

5. Who accomplished God’s eternal purpose for mankind?

6. For whom is the whole family in heaven and earth named?

7. Through whom does God strengthen the inner man?

8. What, according to verse 19, passes knowledge?

9. Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think?

10. To whom should be glory in the church to all generations?

Matching____ 1. Paul A. The one in whom Christians have

boldness and access with confidence.

____ 2. Sons of men B. Fellow heirs and partakers of the

promise in Christ through the gospel.

____ 3. Gentiles C. In other ages ignorant of the mystery of

Christ.

____ 4. Christ Jesus D. The one to whom Paul bowed his knees.

____ 5. The Father of our E. The prisoner of Christ Jesus.

Lord Jesus Christ

True - FalseT F 1. The mystery of Christ can never be understood.

T F 2. The Gentiles can never be fellow heirs and partakers of the

promise of God in Christ.

T F 3. Paul thought he was the greatest of all the saints.

T F 4. Paul’s tribulations for the Ephesians were their glory.

T F 5. Christ dwells in one’s heart through faith.

Discussion QuestionHow does God “do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think?”


Ephesians Chapter Four


Key Passage: Verse 1“I, therefore, the prisoner of theLord, beseech you to walk worthy ofthe calling with which you werecalled.”

Key WordsWorthy

Lowliness

Gentleness

Longsuffering

Endeavoring

Unity

Apostles

Prophets

Evangelists

Pastors

Equipping

Craftiness

Futility

Lewdness

Corrupt

Edification

Grieve

Bitterness

Clamor

Malice

Key Lesson

Questions on the Text 1. According to verse one, how were the Ephesians Christians to walk?

How, according to verse 17, were they not to walk?

2. What were the Ephesians to endeavor to keep?

3. What gifts did Jesus give to the church? Why were they given?

4. By what are Christians neither to be tossed to and fro nor carried about?

5. What are Christians to speak? How are they to speak it?

6. How do the Gentiles walk?

7. What are Christians to put off? What are they to put on?

8. When a person is angry, what should he not do?

9. What kind of word should never come from the mouth of a Christian?

What should he speak?

10. Who is the Christian not to grieve?

Matching____ 1. Be endeavoring A. In all things into Him who is the head—

Christ.

____ 2. Be speaking B. To keep the unity of the Spirit in the

bond of peace.

____ 3. Be growing up C. The old man which grows corrupt

according to deceitful lusts.

____ 4. Be putting off D. The new man which was created

according to God, in true righteousness

and holiness.

____ 5. Be putting on E. The truth in love.

True - FalseT F 1. There are many faiths.

T F 2. Unity of the faith can never be attained.

T F 3. The Gentiles had their understanding darkened and were

alienated from the life of God.

T F 4. Give no place to the devil.

T F 5. Let no bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be

put away from you.

Discussion QuestionIs anger always a sin? Tell when it sinful. Tell when it is not.


Ephesians Chapter Five



“Husbands, love your wives, just as

Christ also loved the church and

gave Himself for her, that He might

sanctify and cleanse her with the

washing of water by the word, that

He might present her to H imself a

glorious church, not having spot or

wrinkle or any such thing, but that

she should be holy and without

blemish.”

Key Words

Imitators

Sacrifice

Filthiness

Foolish talking

Coarse jesting

Fornicator

Covetous

Unfruitful

Exposed

Circumspectly

Dissipation

Submit

Sanctify

Key Lesson

Questions on the Text 1. Who are Christians to imitate?

2. In what are Christians to walk? Who is their example as to how to do it?

3. What is not to be “named” among Christians?

4. Who has no inheritance in the kingdom of God and Christ?

5. What will “children of light” seek to find out?

6. With what is the Christian to have no fellowship?

7. Rather than being unwise, what should the Christian do?

8. Instead of being drunk with wine, with what should the Christian be filled?

9. What is the Christian to sing?

10. To whom are wives to submit? W hy?

11. According to verse 25, how are husbands to love their wives?

12. Why did Christ give Himself for the church?

13. According to verse 28, how are husbands to love their wives?

14. What does verse 31 teach about the marriage relationship?

15. According to verse 33, what is a husband to do for his wife? W hat is a

wife to do for her husband?

True - FalseT F 1. Christ gave Himself for us as an offering and sacrifice to God.

T F 2. The wrath of God comes upon the sons of obedience.

T F 3. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth.

T F 4. Christians must redeem the time because the days are good.

T F 5. Christians are to play the piano in worship to God.

Discussion QuestionVerse 17 says, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of

the Lord is.” How can a person understand what the will of the Lord is?


Ephesians Chapter Six



“Finally, my brethren, be strong in

the Lord and in the power of His

might. Put on the whole armor of

God, that you may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.”

Key People

Tychicus

Key Words

Admonition

Eyeservice

Goodwill

Armor

Supplication

Utterance

Ambassador

Sincerity

Key Lesson

Questions on the Text 1. Why should children obey their parents? W hat else are they to do with

respect to their parents?

2. What are fathers not to do to their children? What are they to do for them?

3. What are bondservants to do in relation to their masters?

4. How are masters to treat their servants?”

5. According to verse 11, what is the Christian to put on?

6. List the various parts of the whole armor of God?

7. According to verse 11 , why should the Christian put on the whole

armor of God?

8. According to verse 13 , why should the Christian put on the whole

armor of God?

9. What request did Paul want them to make in their prayers for him?

10. Why had Paul sent Tychicus to them

Matching____ 1. Waist A. Faith.

____ 2. Breastplate B. Salvation.

____ 3. Shoes C. The word of God.

____ 4. Helmet D. Truth.

____ 5. Sword of the Spirit E. Righteousness.

____ 6. Shield F. Preparation of the gospel of peace.

True - FalseT F 1. Children who obey their parents may live long on the earth.

T F 2. Bondservants should be eyepleasers.

T F 3. Whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the

Lord.

T F 4. Our wrestling as Christians is against flesh and blood.

Discussion QuestionWho is the wicked one? What does it mean “to quench all the fiery darts of

the wicked one?”

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